Canberrans will have to pay for parking at Stromlo Forest Park later this year. The ACT Government will introduce what it calls “modest” fees to pay for new trails and maintain the existing network.

Parking fees will accommodate those who need to use the park for long periods of time, Chris Steel, Special Minister of State, said.

Less than 15 minutes will be free; 15 minutes to three hours will cost $1.75; three to six hours will cost $2.75; and longer than six hours will cost $3.90.

Frequent users can buy an annual $87 pass; this equates to $1.67 per week over the year.

Paid parking arrangements will be implemented after the formalised car parking facilities are constructed, towards the end of 2023.

All revenue will be invested directly back into Stromlo, Mr Steel said.

“The introduction of modest parking fees at Stromlo will see direct investment back into the Park’s tracks and trails to ensure that this remains a premier multi-purpose sporting facility.

“Stromlo Forest Park is used by mountain bikers, runners, cyclists, triathletes, equestrians, community groups, and the public, and we’re working to ensure all users can enjoy the park safely while allowing for additional growth and asset improvement.”

Stromlo Forest Park attracts around 560,000 visitors each year – but this popularity places pressure on the park’s facilities, Mr Steel said.

“The site requires ongoing maintenance and new, interesting, and challenging tracks and trails to keep its status as one of Australia’s best places to experience recreational activities.”

The Arboretum uses the same approach to paid parking.

The government will devise a five-year Stromlo Forest Park Trails Masterplan to review trails and plan new trails for runners, mountain bike riders, road cyclists, equestrian riders, and the general public. The public will be consulted.

The extension connecting the Criterium Track, a popular training and racing facility, to the old Uriarra Road and the Stromlo Leisure Centre, announced last year, will be completed in the next few weeks.

“This will give non-car users a safer way to access the park, and the new connection to the pool will enable triathletes to seamlessly complete running, swimming, and riding competitions,” Mr Steel said.

• New cycle track at Stromlo Forest Park improves safety (23 June 2022)

The government remains committed to its election commitment to construct a 15 km mountain biking flow trail from Stromlo Forest Park to Cotter Recreation Area this term.

• Calls for clear investment plan for Stromlo Forest Park (9 September 2022)
• Jo Clay calls for commitment to mountain biking in ACT (18 October 2022)

Formal, paved parking around the Village was part of the Stromlo Forest Park Master Plan.

Information about paid parking will available on the Stromlo Forest Park website, as more detail becomes available.

Canberra Liberals: Stromlo Forest Park should remain free and accessible to residents

The Canberra Liberals slammed the ACT Government’s decision to introduce paid parking arrangements at Stromlo Forest Park carpark, despite community opposition.

Nicole Lawder, Shadow Minister for City Services, tabled a petition in October 2022 calling on the government to rule out paid parking arrangements in this area, which 692 residents signed.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see Labor and the Greens announce that paid parking arrangements will be introduced at the Stromlo Forest Park carpark,” Ms Lawder said.

“This announcement goes in direct opposition of the wishes of mountain bike and trail running enthusiasts throughout the Canberra region. These visitors will often spend hours out in the park, and the introduction of paid parking only discourages this positive and healthy recreational behaviour.

“For the Minister to announce the introduction of paid parking before he’s even responded to the petition formally in the Assembly is a slap in the face to the 692 residents that took the time to sign this petition. It demonstrates how Labor and the Greens choose to govern for themselves rather than the community.

“The Canberra Liberals strongly oppose the introduction of paid parking at Stromlo Forest Park carpark. We believe residents should have access to bountiful green spaces such as Stromlo Forest Park, and that the government should be encouraging these healthy lifestyle habits. “We will continue to advocate for the redesign of the carpark so that it’s better suited to visitors’ needs, and argue against the introduction of paid parking arrangements at Stromlo Forest Park.”